Public works removes Kennedy’s sign

A candidate for Ward 3 in the Charlottetown municipal election isn’t happy the city’s public works department removed his sign from a community bulletin board.

Keith Kennedy had mounted one of his hand-made signs on the board at the bottom of North River Road.

He says he did the same thing when he ran in 2014, and there were no complaints.

“It was there for the whole duration, the whole campaign and not one person from public works came around and said one thing to me.”

This time around, the department called him on Oct. 25 to say it had his sign.

City communications officer Jennifer Gavin said via email that signage can be removed if it violates regulations, obstructs sight lines or is deemed unsightly.

“The city’s bylaw enforcement officer did visit with (Kennedy) and explained why some signage was removed, and the candidate was asked to remain in compliance with city bylaws.”

Signs that are removed are taken to the city works garage for pickup by the owner, she said.

Kennedy said he would have preferred the department notify him, so he could remove the sign himself.

“I don’t need public works to help me put my signs up. I don’t need them to help me take them down.”

Kennedy also noticed about half his signs missing from North River Road, McGill Avenue and Nassau Street.

“It’s a low blow for people to do this. It won’t stop my campaign, but I don’t like it one bit.”

Each wire sign he makes requires four coats of paint.

“I put my nose down and started painting more signs. I worked till 2 (a.m.) working harder than I ever worked because I’m not going to let this crap get me down.”